Analysis of the embrasure dimensions between maxillary central incisors in relation to the topography of the interdental papilla

PURPOSE: To analyze the dimensions of the embrasure space between the maxillary central incisors as potential factors influencing interdental papilla fill and height. METHODS: The embrasure dimensions between the maxillary central incisors of 100 subjects (40 females/60 males) were assessed with clinical, study model, and radiographic examinations. Variables of the complete and deficient papilla fill groups were compared. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate potential influence of the distance between the contact point and bone crest (CP_BC), horizontal interdental distance (HID), and facio-lingual thickness (FLT) at the papilla base on complete/deficient papilla fill and papilla height (PH). RESULTS: CP_BC was the only variable that showed a significant difference between the complete and deficient papilla groups (P<0.05). When the CP_BC was less than 5 mm, the embrasure spaces between the maxillary central incisors were completely filled with interdental papilla. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a significant predictor for complete/deficient papilla fill was CP_BC, and significant predictors for PH were CP_BC and HID (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The chances of complete papilla fill increased as CP_BC decreased, while PH increased as CP_BC and HID increased. However, the FLT of the papilla base did not appear to affect papilla fill or PH. From an esthetic perspective, CP_BC as well as HID should be considered as factors influencing the topography of interdental papilla.